By Joel Thurtell
[donation]
Operative word: “Layoffs.”
Detroit Media Partnership has offered its latest buyout to members of eight unions representing workers at the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News, according to a letter to employees from Kristi Bowden, vice president of human resources.
Layoffs now loom over the staffs of the two papers.
The offer — which contains the layoff threat — is open until July 18. The papers are looking for 150 people to depart, taking severance packages worth two weeks of salary for each year of service, but capped at a year of pay.
If more than 150 volunteer, managers may say “adios” to all.
But if fewer than 150 apply, the ax may fall.
“If the voluntary offer doesn’t result in a sufficient number of volunteers, or if in future, economic conditions worsen, it may be necessary to consider layoffs,” Bowden warned.
Contact me at joelthurtell(at)gmail.com
